1. Theory Building from Cases: Opportunities and Challenges Shruti Satsangi Paper Summary Technology Innovation Management June 8, 2009

2. The Paper
Eisenhardt, K. M., Graebner, M. E Theory Building From Cases: Opportunities And Challenges. Academy of Management Journal, 50(1):25-32.
June 8, 2009

3. Objectives
Highlight the opportunities that differentiate building theory from cases from other research strategies
Describe some of its common challenges and suggest possible antidotes
Deliverable:
List of best practices when implementing and publishing a theory building from cases research strategy
June 8, 2009

4. Relevance Who cares Why
Evidence that managers care about the issues addressed
Research Method Researchers
Provides a definition of what theory building from cases is
Shows differences between this and other research methods
Gephart, 2004
Siggelkow, 2007
Suddaby, 2006
Weick, 2007
Researchers
Provides details on what theory building from cases is
Provides guidelines for correctly structuring the presentation of such a theory
Chandler, 1962
Dutton & Dukerich, 1991
Eisenhardt, 1989
June 8, 2009

5. Literature review Stream Key highlights of the stream Key references
Using case studies to develop theory
Theory building from cases can be used in diverse topics (group process, strategy, internal organization)
Papers using theory building from cases are regarded as interesting and novel
Definitions of theory building from cases and case studies
Edmondson et. al. (2001)
Eisenhardt (1989)
Gilbert (2005)
Mintzberg & Waters (1982)
Whyte (1941)
Related alternative research methods topics
Other alternative research methods include: grounded theory building, value of richness, single case study and qualitative research
Gephart (2004)
Siggelkow (2007)
Suddaby (2006)
Weick (2007)
June 8, 2009

6. Contribution
Clarity on what are the differences between theory building from cases versus other alternative research methods
Guidelines for carrying out and presenting a theory building from cases research methodology in a paper
June 8, 2009

7. Theory Building from Cases
Source: TTMG 5003 Course Notes
“Building theory from cases studies is a research method that involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions and/or midrange theory from case-based, empirical evidence”
This is an inductive process
Central to the theory is replication logic –much like laboratory experiments
Data is collected from multiple case studies and is analysed for patterns/theory through recursive cycling
Case studies provide rich and real-world context in which the phenomena occur
June 8, 2009

8. Lessons Learned
Theory building from cases is objective since it demands close adherence to the data
It is a bridge between rich qualitative evidence and deductive research
There are challenges in writing papers that use this research method
Multiple case studies yield more parsimonious, robust and generalisable theory than single case studies
Theory building from cases allows for inductive research that results in testable theory
This is likely to product theory that is accurate, interesting and testable, which helps in deductive research – natural complement
Constant comparison means simultaneous collection and analysis of data and theoretical sampling means that decisions on which data to collect next are determined by the theory in progress.
June 8, 2009

9. Lessons Learned
Qualitative data and qualitative research are different
Qualitative research also refers to other research strategies that use qualitative data other than organizing data into cases and using replication logic (theory building from cases)
Grounded theory is characterised by the concepts of constant comparison and theoretical sampling
A strict grounded theory strategy can lead to theory with path dependence and limited generalisability
Theory building from cases allows for inductive research that results in testable theory
This is likely to product theory that is accurate, interesting and testable, which helps in deductive research – natural complement
June 8, 2009

10. Using Theory Building from Cases
Eisenhardt and Graebner identify some key things to consider:
Justify why it is used
How to choose a theoretical sampling of cases
How to analyse interview data correctly
Strategies for presenting the theory and empirical data in a paper
June 8, 2009

11. Using Theory Building from Cases
Justify why it is used
Explain why the research question is significant
Demonstrate that there is no existing theory that offers an answer
How to choose a theoretical sampling of cases
Choose cases that are suitable for understanding relationships and logic among constructs
Single Cases: unusual, extreme, accessible
Multiple Cases: replication, extension of theory, contrary replication, elimination of alternatives, polar types
June 8, 2009

12. Using Theory Building from Cases
How to analyse interview data correctly
Interviews can be victim to retrospective sensemaking and impression management
Use numerous, knowledgeable informants with diverse perspectives
Combine retrospective and real-time cases
Strategies for presenting the theory and empirical data in a paper
A balance of case narrative and theory presentation
Develop a theory by distinct propositions so that each is supported by empirical evidence
Use effective visual aids (summary tables, construct tables)
June 8, 2009

13. Using Theory Building from Cases
Strategies for presenting the theory and empirical data in a paper
Structure the paper by:
Summarising it in the introduction
Writing each proposition and linking it to the supporting evidence
Providing a visual theory summary (“boxes and arrows” diagram, summary table)
June 8, 2009